DR Congo and M23 rebels agree roadmap for peace talks
The DR Congo government and M23 rebels have established a new roadmap for peace talks following negotiations in Switzerland. While a ceasefire monitoring mechanism is being implemented, significant disagreements regarding political reforms and sanctions remain.
Why it matters
This agreement represents a potential step toward de-escalating a long-standing conflict that has caused significant regional instability in eastern DR Congo.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images Image caption, M23 rebels seen in Goma in March after an air strike on the territory
The Democratic Republic of Congo government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have agreed a roadmap for peace talks.
In a joint statement after five days of talks in Switzerland, they said they had pledged to "pursue negotiations towards comprehensive peace and conflict resolution" and set up a mechanism to monitor the ceasefire.
The roadmap sets out a timeline for talks under a US-brokered peace framework which they signed in 2025 - only for fighting to then continue in eastern DR Congo, which has been engulfed in conflict for decades.
But disagreements remain over issues including sanctions against M23, the release of detainees and the timing of political reforms.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in